Kevin Hart’s Oscar Drama

Lately, social media has erupted with the drama surrounding the 2019 Academy Awards host. After a major controversy and a healthy dose of chaos, actor Kevin Hart has stepped down as host. Here’s the lowdown on what has happened so far.

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The Honor of a Lifetime

Elle

Kevin Hart recently announced he would be the next Oscars host writing, “I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time… to be able to join the legendary list of [hosts] that have graced that stage is unbelievable.” The first Oscars were hosted in 1929, a whopping 89 years ago. Since then the night has been known for prestige, honor, and celebration of cinema. Hosting the biggest night in the film industry is an honor that other superstars like Ellen Degeneres, Neil Patrick Harris, Jon Stewart, Anne Hathaway, and James Franco have all shared.

Oscars: Apologize Or You’re Fired

Deadline

Not long after the Academy Awards tapped Kevin Hart as its 2019 host, total chaos broke loose. A public outcry began on social media after some tweets from actor made on Twitter surfaced containing homophobic remarks.

Reportedly the people behind the Oscars gave Hart an ultimatum: apologize or hit the road. An annoyed Hart wrote on social media that the Academy Awards told him, “Kevin, apologize for your tweets of old or we’re going to have to move on and find another host’ … I chose to pass. I passed on the apology.” Hart’s refusal to say sorry cost him his dream job, as Hart stepped down as host.

Hart Refuses To Say Sorry

People

Hart, a father of three, bewildered fans with his refusal to apologize for his offensive tweets. The actor felt he had apologized enough for his past and is a more enlightened person these days and wants to simply move forward, saying, “if you don’t believe people change, grow, evolve as they get older, [then] I don’t know what to tell you.” The Twitterverse could not handle the actor’s refusal to accept responsibility, humbly explain himself, or simply listen.

Hart’s erratic behavior

Twitter

A mere two hours after he said he would not apologize, it seems The Upside star’s PR team must have gotten through to him as he issued this apology, “I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars….this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.” Many felt the words were saying sorry I didn’t say sorry, instead of a heartfelt mea culpa.

Adding Fuel to the Fire

Hollywood Reporter

This controversy reminds us that everyone has posted things to social media they probably regret, but engaging in an honest and open dialogue, take responsibility, and learning from mistakes can go a long way, a lesson Hart missed entirely. The Oscars has been criticized for its lack of diversity in the past years, and more drama and attention is likely something the Academy did not bargain for.

Who Will Host the Academy Awards?

The Independent

With a little over two months until the next Oscars, no new host has been announced. Rumor has it there will be no host or a collaboration of many hosts. We’ll be staying tuned to see who will step into the spotlight and save the day.
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